New denomination rises from Lutherans' gay discord

MINNEAPOLIS 
A year to the week after the country's largest Lutheran denomination opened its ranks to non-celibate gay pastors, critics of the new policy are preparing to launch a brand new denomination.

Former members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are holding a convention this week in Columbus, Ohio.

On Friday, the Lutheran CORE group plans to formally launch the North American Lutheran Church. Its 18 charter members are Lutheran churches from around the country whose congregations voted to split from the ELCA over what pastors and members say is a clear break from scriptural teaching.

In all, 199 congregations have voted to leave the ELCA. Another 136 could leave if their congregations pass a second vote to do so.